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Get Prices Now!Should You Rent or Buy?
Based on our rental rates and current sale pricing for a new shipping container, the break even point is just over two years at most locations. If you’re planning on renting a BigSteelBox for more than 3 years, you’re probably already considering whether or not you would be better off buying.
While the math is pretty straight-forward, there are other things to take into consideration that may make renting a more attractive option. This table summarizes the key considerations, but call us today to discuss your options with one of our experienced Storage Consultants: 1-800-373-1187.
| 20' BigSteelBox | Rent | Buy New | Buy Ex-Rental | Buy Used |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average Cost (varies by location) | $149/mo | $4,000 | $3,500 | $3,000 |
| Storage at BigSteelBox Location (Average) | $39/mo | $100/mo | $100/mo | $100/mo |
| Break Even Time Period | n/a | 27 months | 24 months | 20 months |
| Modifications Available | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Benefits of Renting a Storage Container
If you just need a temporary storage solution for a few months, then renting is the best choice for you. However, even if you need long term storage, there are other things to take into consideration that might make renting a better option than buying:
Cash Flow
A lower monthly cost is better for short-term cash flow. Many business customers who manage projects for third parties prefer to rent, because their monthly rental fee becomes an expense that is billed to the client as a project cost.
REDUCED LIABILITY
Having your storage unit tagged with graffiti is not cool and can be expensive to fix. That’s why we offer optional vandalism protection on rented units. It eliminates the risk of our customers having to pay for damages out of their pocket.
SIZE FLEXIBILITY
When you rent a BigSteelBox, it’s easy to change to a larger or smaller size. No need to go through the process of selling and buying again. Just give us a call and we’ll switch out your container with the size that fits your current needs.
APPEARANCE
While a BigSteelBox will last a long time, after a number of years they can start to look dated and weathered. If you’re renting, you can always swap it out for a newer container at any time. So, if image is important, then renting may be better for you.
Choose Location for Storage Prices
Choose location for service area
What to expect on your first invoice
Storage at Your Place:
Empty delivery to your location (Choose location for starting delivery rate) + empty pickup (same as delivery) + 1 month’s rent.
Load at Your Place, Store at Our Yard:
Empty delivery + loaded move + 1 month’s rent + storage at the BigSteelBox location (waived until your next billing cycle).
Load and Store at Our Yard:
1 month’s rent + storage at the BigSteelBox location.
Optional Add-Ons
- Additional months’ rent
- Vandalism protection
- Padlock rental or purchase
- Shelving brackets
- Monthly storage fee at BigSteelBox location:
(Choose location for pricing)
* All prices are subject to change without notice and do not include taxes or freight.
Benefits of Buying a Storage Container
If you’re looking for a permanent storage solution that you know you’ll use for more than 2 years, then buying a shipping container may be the best option for you. Purchasing a container also allows you to make modifications to your container, whether they are small changes like adding paint or decals, or larger modifications like adding a door, window, insulation, electrical, etc.
Compare New, Ex-Rental, & Used Shipping Containers For Sale
We sell both new, ex-rental, and used shipping containers from all of our BigSteelBox locations across Canada. Here’s a brief description of the different container types that we offer:
Our new BigSteelBoxes are “one-trip” containers that have come, loaded with cargo, from another country before being delivered to our yard. They feature:
- A clean, neutral coloured exterior.
- Easy-to-use, waist-height door handles.
- Lock boxes to provide additional security.
- D-Rings every 4′ inside wall for tie downs or shelving.
Our ex-rental BigSteelBoxes were once “one trip” containers that have been used in our Canadian moving & storage rental fleet for several years. They feature:
- A neutral-coloured exterior, likely with minor cosmetic damages and large BigSteelBox decals.
- Easy-to-use, waist-height door handles.
- Lock boxes to provide additional security.
- D-Rings every 4′ inside wall for tie downs or shelving.
Our used BigSteelBoxes are containers that have been used for international shipping for 8-10 years. They come in three condition grades: (high, mid, or low). They feature:
- A variety of different colours including brown, red, green, or yellow.
- Structurally sound and wind & watertight exterior (unless otherwise specified).
- Visible wear signs, including dents, surface rust, and faded or mismatched paint.
- D-Rings every 4′ inside wall for tie downs or shelving.
Choose Location for Storage Prices
We sell new & ex-rental containers in 8', 10', 20' or 40' lengths. Used containers for sale come in 20' and 40' lengths.
Pricing and availability varies by location.
Optional Add-Ons
- Padlock purchase
- Shelving bracket purchase
- Lock box installation: puck lock or padlock
- Doors, windows, and roll-up doors
- Insulation and interior wall packages
- Electrical packages including lighting, heating, and air conditioning
- Offices, heated storage units, and more